Concerns about purchasing 09 TRD Off Road

Hey guys, could use some advice. I've been reading these forums for the past few weeks, tons useful information here. I finally took the plunge and bought a 2009 TRD Off Road edition with 61,000 miles this past weekend.

Against my better judgement I bought the truck without test driving it because it was "in service" and they didn't have the key. I asked multiple times what the vehicle was in service for and the salesman assured me it was just normal maintenance.. new tires, brakes, battery, etc. The truck itself looked pristine. Engine bay was flawless, no rust underneath, nice interior. This was at a very reputable Toyota dealership here in Houston and the car was certified. SO! I went for it. They called me on Monday saying the car was ready to be picked up. I swing by and get it, as soon as I pull out and get to 35mph I notice a really bad whining noise coming from the rear end. At first I thought it was just the bigger tires that I'm not used to. It literally sounded like a freight train though.

I call the used car manager and explained to him the problem. He does a little research and finds out there was a service ticket put in for the vehicle 5 days before I purchased it for "rear end noise". I was NEVER told about this before I bought it. They showed me the maintenance checklist they did on the truck and it was all routine stuff. The ticket for the noise was never closed out and the car was sold to me. I'm not to sure I would have bought the car knowing that repair had to be done on it.

I drove around with the head mechanic yesterday and he said it sounds like a pinion bearing in the rear differential. He said a minor chip in the bearing can cause it to whine very loud like it. He played it down like it wasn't a big deal. Which maybe it isn't? That's the main reason I'm here asking you all.

Should I walk away from the whole deal? Or do you think the truck will still be a reliable investment after the differential repair? Do you think that put any strain on the transmission and engine that might pop up over time? It seems like the previous owner was hauling some major stuff if they had to replace the brakes, pinion bearing, pulley belt all after 2 years. It's a gorgeous truck and I got a good price on it. I hate to give it up, I just want to feel at ease with my investment. I looked at almost 20 other Houston dealerships and didn't find a truck that even came close to it. Any advice is much appreciated.

 

I agree with your mechanic that it could be the pinion bearing. However, it could also be that the backlash is not within spec for the ring and it has not been shimmed correctly if the third member was ever rebuilt, or re-geared. You made the right investment, but got a lemon. Your choices are to have the third member rebuilt (by the dealership and make them warranty that shit), or make them give you another Tacoma at the same price. Oh and before I forget, as far as your mechanic says "it's not a big deal" it kind of is. It might take some time, but you could grenade the third member, or just bust a bunch of teeth on the ring and pinion. Mine hums because of a re-gearing gone horribly wrong, but I'm driving/offroading it until I buy new gears, and a mater rebuild kit. Hope this helps bro.

 

since you bought it from the dealership, you still have a warranty... have them fix it

 

A good dealership/sales man would never sell you a car without driving it first ... to much work to have someone get in a car they already did all the paperwork for and say "I don't like it"

I would walk away from the deal .. I'm a huge "ease of mind" guy and that would always be on my mind every time I drove the truck.

Also, it's possible this is just a random problem but I can't help thinking how the truck was treated or what is was put through to have a rear diff issue in two years. What else is prematurely worn out? Heavy off roading? Towing? Hauling to much? Possibilities are endless..

I would also give the dealership hell and ask to talk to the actual manager, demand a similar TRD OR for the same price. Get some free add-ons for your wasted time..

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I did talk to the used car manager yesterday and told him I wanted an extended warranty on the truck to put my mind at ease. He said he couldn't do that. So much for trying to please the customer. I'm going to talk to the general manager today instead of the used car manager and see what he can do for me.

I feel like what they did was misleading and probably illegal.

 

Why won't they fix it?

 

Screw the GM, and the used car manager. Go to strait to the Fleet Manager. Hauling heavy loads will wear out the rear end faster than off roading, but both are still stressful. The Toyota third members are STOUT and are designed after the Ford 9'' for the exception that Toyota has an extra brace on top of the member. If you want peace of mind have them pull the third member and make them rebuild it. They legally have to warranty that despite how many times or ways they say they can't. There is no telling when you'll completely bust a tooth. It could be at 5mph or 50mph. I take the risk everyday, but I rebuilt mine myself so I can't blame anyone but me.

 

They are repairing it right now under warranty. It should be done in a few days. They gave me the option to test drive it after it's fixed and either walk away from it or keep it.

 

That's what I'm talking about!

 

AWESOME!

 

x2

 

That's awesome....but just worry about other stuff on it. I'd still seriously think about walking away from it. You just never know.

 

Agreed, I'm walking.

To much work on an '09 and with the dealership lying to me about it... no way I'm buying it.

The only thing that would change my mind is an extended warranty that they provide at no cost. Even with that I'm iffy ..

 

Umm... Do you have two screen names?

 

Uhh no, I was agreeing with Icepuck above me and didn't quote because I was the next post.

As for the "I" and "Me" just putting myself in his shoes, I wouldn't buy it.

 

Ha, that confused me also... and it's been done here before.

I'd walk away if I found out the dealership was shady and hiding things about a truck they sold me. That dealership sounds crooked, I would find another place to buy your Tacoma.

 

I try to put myself in the other persons shoes so I answer as what I would do. etc.

 

No worries, I'm easily confused at times

 

This past weekend was the end of the month and they probably were desperate for sales. If I were you, I'd take the way they hid the work from you as a hint on how that dealership conducts itself. At this point trust is violated and if you are feeling funny about it, deep inside there's a reason why. Trust yourself and your intuition.

 

but he said "i would walk" not, "i'm walking on the deal"


OP i would make them offer a warranty